Grew up half in suburbia, half on my grandfather's farm. My parents were academics, my grandfather farmed without truck, tractor, or powered machinery of any kind. His funeral, in 1976, was the last time I cried, though I've wished I could.

Started work at 14, at 54, figured that was enough. Along the way I got degrees in Electronics, Information Systems, and Project Management, but none of it amounted to an education, in my book; just vocational tech.

Still dividing my time between suburbia and my grandfather's farm. Still despise powered machinery and avoid it as much as possible. A man who does not know the power of his hands has no power in him.